Incidence of Rice Insect Pests in Agro-Climatic Conditions of Sarojani Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most important staple food crops in the world, feeding more than half of the global population. It is cultivated in 117 countries and serves as a staple food for 2.7 billion people in Asia alone (Kumar et al., 2006). India occupies the number one position in the world with regard to area under rice (44.6 million ha) and ranks second with regard to production (93.3 million tons, 2006–2007) (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, 2007). Rice holds a central position in the agricultural economy, serving as both a key food grain and a major source of livelihood for millions of farmers (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2004). Among the Indian states, Uttar Pradesh is one of the major rice-growing regions, contributing significantly to the country's total rice production (Directorate of Rice Research, 2015). The crop is cultivated across diverse agro-climatic zones of the state, ranging from the fertile plains of eastern Uttar Pradesh to the irrigated tracts of western regions.

The term "pest" refers to any organism that causes harm or damage to crops, animals, humans, or stored products (Pedigo & Rice, 2014). In agriculture, pests are organisms that interfere with crop production and reduce both the quantity and quality of agricultural produce (Hill, 2008). Rice pests are those organisms that attack rice plants during different stages of growth and adversely affect crop health, grain quality, and productivity (Pathak & Khan, 1994).

The warm and humid climatic conditions prevalent during the rice-growing season in Uttar Pradesh create a congenial environment for the multiplication and survival of various pest species (Pathak & Khan, 1994). Changes in rainfall patterns, seasonal temperature fluctuations, and high relative humidity further affect pest population dynamics, often resulting in sudden outbreaks (Heong & Hardy, 2009). Farmers across the state frequently report significant losses due to pests such as stem borers (Scirpophaga incertulas), leaf folders (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), plant hoppers (Nilaparvata lugens), gall midge (Orseolia oryzae), rice hispa (Dicladispa armigera), and various rice bugs (Bentur et al., 2021), which not only reduce crop vigor but also directly impact grain formation and quality. In severe cases, pest infestation can lead to substantial yield reductions, threatening the livelihood and food security of rural communities (Bottrell & Schoenly, 2012).

The intensity and diversity of rice pests also vary across different districts of Uttar Pradesh depending on cropping patterns, water availability, soil type, and local management practices (International Rice Research Institute, 2013). With increasing dependence on high-yielding varieties and continuous rice cultivation, the pest spectrum has broadened over the years. Indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has further complicated the situation by causing pest resistance, resurgence, and negative impacts on beneficial organisms.

Given these challenges, field-based assessments of pest incidence and their seasonal abundance are essential for understanding the current pest scenario in the study area. Systematic documentation of pests in major rice-growing areas provides valuable insights into their prevalence, observed life stages, and relationships with climatic factors, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity. This information is crucial for developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, promoting sustainable agriculture, and helping farmers reduce economic losses (Dhaliwal et al., 2010).